NEW HAVEN >> Now we come to the Rodney Dangerfield of positions in fantasy football, the position that gets no respect when it comes to drafts as the last position usually selected - defenses (including special teams). Case in point - it’s the last position to run in my series of Top 10 fantasy football rankings.

When it comes to fantasy football, takeaways and scoring touchdowns are the two factors that produce points. Some leagues give bonus points for limiting an opponent’s point production in a game. But it’s sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries and defensive touchdowns that are key with this position (special teams TDs are also included, namely punt return TDs and kick return TDs).

Some defenses are more prolific when it comes to these factors and quite honestly you can’t go wrong with any of the top five on my list. Production does usually drop off a bit after that, but not by much.

Seattle’s defense was solid last season and it kicks off the rankings this season.

1. Seattle: According to several fantasy football websites the Seahawks averages 14-16 fantasy points a game last season. That’s a number anyone in any league can only hope for at the position. QB sacks should increase too with the addition of pass rusher Cliff Avril.

2. Houston: This is a unit that seems to be getting better and better. Led by pass rusher J.J. Watt, the addition of free agent Ed Reed in the secondary and return of linebacker Brian Cushing from a knee injury makes this a solid defense.

3. San Francisco: The 49ers have routinely produced solid defenses each season and should be again with its depth at linebacker led by take-away/sack producers Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis.

4. Cincinnati: The Bengals “D” came on strong at the end of last season and that should carry over to 2013. It has a strong group in the trenches (51 sacks last season) and pass rushing should be better with former Steelers’ standout James Harrison added to the mix.

5. New England: Playing in a weak division certainly helps this defense, which led the AFC last season with 20 interceptions. The Pats have a strong front line with second-year standouts Dont’a Hightower and Chandler Jones will make an impact. The addition of strong safety Adrian Wilson should help the secondary.

7. Green Bay: Injuries killed the Packers on both sides of the ball last season and losing Charles Woodson to free agency doesn’t help. But pass rusher Clay Matthews is still around and the Pack should be able to match last season’s 47-sack total.

8. Baltimore: This unit took a hit with the loss of several standouts, including the retired Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. But several pieces were added to the puzzle in the offseason such as end Elvis Dumervill and top draft pick Matt Elam at safety. Who knows how these guys will react to the loss of leader Ray Lewis. They could be good, they could be mediocre. I’m banking on good enough to be ranked No. 8.

9. Dallas: I have a hunch that the Cowboys are going to be a very good team this season. Last season’s struggling defense is one area that can potentially improve with new defensive coordinate Monte Kiffin. Sacks should improve with DeMarcus Ware expected to move from outside linebacker to end.

10. Denver: This unit would rank higher if Von Miller wasn’t suspended the first six games of the regular season due to violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The loss of free agent pass rusher Elvis Dumervil to free agency doesn’t help either. Two keys here: defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio came on board in 2012 and made an immediate impact and the Broncos depleted “D” should still be able to take advantage of its mediocre AFC west opponents.

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